CLEARFIELD – Debbie Gmerek, instructor of the Clearfield County Career & Technology Center’s (CCCTC) adult cosmetology program, took her graduating 2016 class to tour her former student’s salon.
Gmerek takes her class to visit several salons to give the students an understanding of how different salons operate. One of Gmerek’s former students, Rhonda Krobot, graduated from the CCCTC adult cosmetology program during the 2009-10 school year.
Gmerek’s current students had the opportunity to interview Krobot about her experience. During her time at CCCTC, she was an exceptional student involved in SkillsUSA, a member of the National Technical Honor Society, volunteered her time at local nursing homes giving pedicures and manicures.
Krobot knew when she started the program that she would learn all she would need to eventually open her own salon in the future. She says the adult cosmetology program not only teaches you about haircutting, but also skincare, becoming a nail technician and about opening a business.
Upon graduation she was employed by Smart Style and two years later opened her own salon, InStyle Studio, located in St. Marys. It has been four years since she opened and she says her success started with CCCTC.
Krobot is only one example of how CCCTC graduates use their education to strengthen the industry in their field of study.
In photo, from left to right, are Amy Hayward, William Spencer (adult cosmetology students) Leigha Miles (adult cosmetology instructor student), Krobot and Tayler Wisor, Maggie Naddeo (adult cosmetology students).